Llandudno Junction Option Appraisal 20 4.1 Conclusions to the Option Appraisal 21

Conwy Primary Schools Modernisation Project

Option Appraisal for the Llandudno Junction Area Contents

Page

1 Background Information 2

2 Llandudno Junction Profile 3 2.1 Ward Profiles 3

2.2 Summary School Profiles 5

2.2.1 Ysgol Maelgwn 5

2.2.2 Ysgol Nant y Coed 8

3 Impact Assessment - Key Findings 12 3.1 Community Impact Assessment 13

3.2 Language Impact Assessment 14

3.3 Transport Impact Assessment 14

3.4 Buildings ‘Fit for Purpose’ Appraisal 15

3.5 Equalities Impact Assessment 16

3.6 Reflecting the Views of Those Most Directly Affected 16

3.6.1 Community Views 16

3.6.2 Children’s Views 17

3.7 Pupil Places 18

4 Llandudno Junction Option Appraisal 20 4.1 Conclusions to the Option Appraisal 21

4.1.1 Option 1&2a ‘New Build Area School on Albini House Site’ 21

4.1.2 Option 1&2b ‘New Build Area School on Esgyryn Site’ 21

4.1.3 Option 3 ‘Maintain Current Schools’ 22

4.1.4 Option 4 ‘Area School on Two Existing Sites’ 23

24 Appendix 1 – Weighting the Criteria

Appendix 2 – Reflecting the Views of Those Most Directly Affected 25

Appendix 3 – Better Matching of Demand for and Supply of Pupil Places 26

Appendix 4 – Underpinning Policies and Strategies 27

1 1. Background Information Conwy County Borough Council has been carrying out an in-depth review of its Primary Schools over the last 3 years. This resulted in the publication of the ‘Strategy for the Modernisation of Conwy Primary Schools’ and associated ‘Implementation Plan’ in October 2010, following its adoption by Cabinet.

The Cabinet also agreed to: i) consult with communities in detail (full impact assessment) on the options within the Implementation Plan and ii) undertake stakeholder meetings with those areas identified for ‘review in two years time’.

Key information, including impact assessments on language; equality; transportation; community; and buildings fit for purpose, have since been undertaken to inform this option appraisal. All impact assessments are summarised in sections 2 and 3 of this report and are available to view on our web-pages www.conwy.gov.uk/education, which contain all information concerning the Primary School Modernisation project.

Whichever option is chosen for Llandudno Junction, it is important to note that all of the options put forward include the continued provision of dual-stream education (Welsh language education and Bilingual Education) in the area.

Formal consultation meetings will take place with stakeholders from both Ysgol Maelgwn and Ysgol Nant y Coed to present in more detail the options considered for each area and the outcome of this option appraisal.

2 2. Llandudno Junction Profile 2.1 Ward Profiles The settlement of Llandudno Junction is largely contained within the wards of Marl and Pensarn, and bordered by the ward of Deganwy along Pentwywn Road. There are two primary schools in the area, namely Ysgol Nant y Coed and Ysgol Maelgwn. The catchment of Ysgol Nant y Coed broadly follows the ward boundary of Pensarn but also extends into Marl. As Ysgol Maelgwn has both an English and a Welsh medium stream, it has two distinct catchment areas, with the English medium catchment occupying much of the ward of Marl and the Welsh medium catchment occupying this area plus an extended region beyond.

Map 1: Marl and Pensarn Wards Boundaries with Llandudno Junction Schools

The combined population of the two wards is 63501. This contains a slightly higher proportion of young people up to 15 years of age than the mean average for Conwy county, and a lower proportion of people of pension age.

The population of the catchment area of Ysgol Nant y Coed is 3024 with 3352 dwellings within 1 mile of the school. The population of the English medium stream catchment area of Ysgol Maelgwn is 2738 with 3835 households within 1 mile of the school.

The current deposit Conwy Local Development Plan (2007 – 2022) indicates that new housing sites will be developed within Llandudno Junction, with

1 2009 Mid-year estimates of population, Office for National Statistics; ONS experimental small area population estimates

3 intentions for the Maelgwn catchment to accommodate a further 241 dwellings and an additional 200 dwellings in the Nant y Coed catchment area. This is inclusive of new proposed housing allocations and sites with current planning permission. In the region of a potential 40 further primary school pupils are associated with these extra dwellings in the Maelgwn catchment and in the region of a further 30 potential primary school pupils are associated with the new dwellings in the Nant y Coed catchment. Large residential developments are planned (subject to the final approval of the LDP) for by 2022 at the Esgyryn and the social club sites2.

In the 2001 Census3, just over 60% of the Marl population was born in Wales, with 30.3% speaking Welsh (a slight increase since 1999), and 44% having one or more skills in Welsh.

In the Pensarn Ward, over 67% of the population was born in Wales, with 31.9% speaking Welsh (a slight decrease since 1999), and 45.7% having one or more skills in Welsh.

In 2001, just over 70%(1,121)4 of the Marl ward, and just under 70%(846) of the Pensarn ward, travelled to work by car. 10.2% of residents in the Marl ward and 7.4% in the Pensarn ward worked from home. Across Ysgol Maelgwn and Ysgol Nant y Coed schools in February 2011, fewer than five pupils were receiving free transport (excluding pupils receiving free transportation due to their additional learning needs), at a cost to the Authority of £15 per day.

Conwy Birth Rates5 Birth rates in Conwy since 1981 have remained fairly constant, with only a 4% increase (or 38 births) from 1981 to 2005. The most recent actual data shows that births in Conwy have increased slowly since 2004/05, however births are projected to marginally decrease from 2008/09 onwards and this decrease is projected to continue throughout the projection period to 2033 (a decrease of around 12%). This decline in births is due to a decrease in the number of women of fertility age (15-49) throughout the projection period.

2 Conwy Deposit Local Development Plan 2007-2022 (Revised edition 2011) Strategic policy HOU/1 – Meeting the housing need 3 2001 Census Key Statistics, Office for National Statistics 4 2001 Census Key Statistics, Office for National Statistics 5 WAG Local Authority Population Projections for Wales (2008-based) - Summary Report

4 Chart 1: Conwy Birth Projections – Based on the WAG Local Authority Population Projections for Wales (2008-based) - Summary Report

Conwy Births Projections

1,150 1,100 1,050 1,000 950 900 2 16 18 3 0 0 0 2008 2010 2012 2014 2 2 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2 Year

2.2 Summary School Profiles 2.2.1 Ysgol Maelgwn Map 2: Ysgol Maelgwn Catchment

Ysgol Maelgwn is a County Primary School for children aged between 3 and 11 years old. It is situated on Broad Street, Llandudno Junction and was founded in 1907.

Ysgol Maelgwn teaching staff6 consists of a permanent Headteacher (with a teaching commitment of less than 50%), nine full- time qualified teachers (including a Deputy Headteacher) and three part-time teachers. Providing additional support to the pupils are eight part-time teaching assistants, two part-time special needs support staff, a part-time administrator and a part-time peripatetic teacher. Ysgol Nant y Coed

7 The average class size was 19.8 pupils, Ysgol Maelgwn with as low as 15 in one class, to as high as 26 in another.

© Hawlfraint y Goron. Cedwir pob hawl. Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy 100023380 2011 Pupil Numbers and Unfilled Places © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Conwy County Borough Council 100023380 2011 In January 2011, there were 214 pupils attending Ysgol Maelgwn, of which 27 were attending part-time as nursery pupils. Over the last five years pupil numbers have seen a slight decrease of 39 full time pupils which has resulted in an increase in the percentage of unfilled places (exc Nursery pupils) from 14.17% in 2007 to 26.38% in 2011.

6 Statutory PLASC Return, January 2011 7 Statutory Class Sizes Return, September 2010

5 Projected pupil numbers will see a rise of around 20 pupils by 2016, with in the region of 20% unfilled places.

The current deposit Conwy Local Development Plan (2007 – 2022 excluding allocations and windfall) indicates that new housing sites will be developed within Llandudno Junction, with intentions for the Maelgwn catchment to accommodate a further 241 dwellings. It is anticipated that in the region of a potential 40 further primary school pupils may be associated with these extra dwellings. The impact on the number of unfilled places may reduce them to under 5%.

Chart 2: Ysgol Maelgwn Pupil Numbers and Unfilled Places

Ysgol Maelgwn Pupil Numbers Pupil Numbers and Unfilled Places Unfilled Places (exc. Nursery) Projected Pupil No.

Projected Unfilled Places 250

200

150

100

0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 January

Catchment Data In January 2011, there were 214 pupils (inc. Nursery) attending Ysgol Maelgwn. As Ysgol Maelgwn has a Welsh stream which has a separate catchment area that exceeds the Llandudno Junction boundaries, and in order to provide a true reflection of the numbers of pupils attending Ysgol Maelgwn as their local catchment school, the following aspects of this school profile will take into account only those being taught through the medium of English.

Of the 214 pupils in attendance, 94 were in the English cohort. When we compared the addresses of these pupils against the local catchment for Ysgol Maelgwn, it showed that 43% of these pupils were attending from outside of the Maelgwn school catchment.

Chart 3: Ysgol Maelgwn Catchment Profile 1

Ysgol Maelgwn Pupils Attending from Outside of the Catchment Area

43%

57%

Outside of Catchment

Inside of Catchment

6 A large majority of the pupils attending from outside of the Ysgol Maelgwn catchment live in the catchment for Ysgol Nant y Coed. The remaining pupils were attending from catchments across the county (see Chart 4 below).

Conversely, a significant 74% of pupils living in the Ysgol Maelgwn catchment area were not choosing their local school, of which 66% were for reasons unknown (not faith based or Welsh Medium). The majority were instead enrolled at Ysgol Deganwy (over 50 pupils) and Ysgol Nant y Coed (over 20 pupils), with others choosing schools across the County, as far south as Ysgol Tal y Bont (see Chart 5 below).

Chart 4: Ysgol Maelgwn Catchment Profile 2

Pupils who attend Ysgol Maelgwn instead of their home catchment school

25 20 15 10 5

e s n ont a dr ho fr Coed B h n ydden y R y w l Cy Deganwy Moc Ta o yn Nant Porth y Felin Glan rill Glan Conwy and Ll Home Catchment School

Chart 5: Ysgol Maelgwn Catchment Profile 3

Ysgol Maelgwn Catchment: Destination of Pupils not Choosing their Local School 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 s n r d h o ie ae n d p nt n oed v ry c o e e d C a n s y B n Sio a o Tu y d Alaw landrillo Pen J t L n Sa Bodaf hi Deganwyn R Bo Pe a St Tal y Bo Na Porth y FelinCraig y Don Llangelynnin Glan Conwy f n Wm D Glanwydden or Be M

Standards Ysgol Maelgwn was last inspected by ESTYN in December 2007, which found that ‘Ysgol Maelgwn succeeds in providing broad and relevant education and experiences for the whole range of pupils that attend. The school has developed significantly over recent years’.

7 In the 7 key questions of the inspection the following grades can be awarded: Grade 1 – Good with outstanding features Grade 2 – Good features with no significant shortcomings Grade 3 – Good features outweigh shortcomings Grade 4 – Some good features, but shortcomings in important areas Grade 5 – many important shortcomings

The outcomes for Ysgol Maelgwn were:

Key Question Inspection Grade 1 How well do learners achieve? Grade 2 2 How effective are teaching, learning and assessment Grade 2 3 How well do the learning experiences meet the needs and Grade 2 interests of learners and the wider community? 4 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported? Grade 2 5 How effective are leadership and strategic management? Grade 2 6 How well do leaders and managers evaluate and improve Grade 3 quality and standards? 7 How efficient are leaders and managers in using Grade 2 resources?

In respect of the quality of education for children under 5, ESTYN judged that ‘(provision) is appropriate for their needs, and children make good progress towards the Desirable Outcomes for Children’s Learning’.

2.2.2 Ysgol Nant y Coed Map 3:Ysgol Nant y Coed Catchment Built in 1971, Ysgol Nant y Coed is a County

Primary School for children aged between 3 and 11 years old.

Ysgol Nant y Coed teaching staff8 consists of a permanent Headteacher (with a teaching commitment of less than 50%) and seven full- time qualified teachers (including a Deputy Headteacher). Providing additional support to the pupils are five part-time teaching assistants, two special needs support staff, and two part-time administrators. Ysgol Nant y Coed

9 The average class size was 22.6 pupils, with Ysgol Maelgwn as low as 17 in one class, to as high as 28 in another.

© Hawlfraint y Goron. Cedwir pob hawl. Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Conwy 100023380 2011 © Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Conwy County Borough Council 100023380 2011 8 Statutory PLASC Return, January 2011 9 Statutory Class Sizes Return, September 2010

8 Pupil Numbers and Unfilled Places In January 2011, there were 177 pupils attending Ysgol Nant y Coed, of which 19 were attending part-time as nursery pupils. Over the last five years pupil numbers have seen a slight decrease of 26 full time pupils which has resulted in an increase in the percentage of unfilled places from 14.42% in 2007 to 16.40% in 2011.

Projected pupil numbers will see a fall of around 25 pupils by 2016, resulting in an increase in the percentage of unfilled places to around 30%.

The current deposit Conwy Local Development Plan (2007 – 2022 excluding allocations and windfall) indicates that new housing sites will be developed within Llandudno Junction, with intentions for the Ysgol Nant y Coed catchment to accommodate a further 200 dwellings. It is anticipated that in the region of a potential 30 further primary school pupils may be associated with these extra dwellings. The impact on the number of unfilled places may reduce them to under 5%.

Chart 6: Ysgol Nant y Coed Pupil Numbers and Unfilled Places

Ysgol Nant y Coed Pupil Numbers Pupil Numbers and Unfilled Places Unfilled Places (exc. Nursery) Projected Pupil No.

Projected Unfilled Plac es 200 180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 January

Catchment Data In January 2011 there were 177(inc. Nursery) pupils attending Ysgol Nant y Coed.

When we compared the addresses of these pupils against the local catchment for Ysgol Nant y Coed, it showed that 22% of these pupils were attending from outside of the Ysgol Nant y Coed catchment.

9 Chart 7: Ysgol Nant y Coed Catchment Profile 1

Ysgol Nant y Coed Pupils Attending from Outside of the Catchment Area

22%

Outside of Catchment

78% Inside of Catchment

A large majority of the pupils attending from outside of the Ysgol Nant y Coed catchment live in the catchment for Ysgol Maelgwn. The remaining pupils attend from catchments across the county (see Chart 8 below)

Conversely, 47% of pupils living in the Ysgol Nant y Coed catchment area were not choosing their local school, of which 30% were for reasons unknown (not faith based or Welsh Medium). Around half were instead enrolled at Ysgol Maelgwn (over 23 pupils), with others choosing schools across the County, as far south as Ysgol Tal y Bont (see Chart 9 below)

Chart 8: Ysgol Nant y Coed Catchment Profile 2

Pupils who attend Ysgol Nant y Coed instead of their home catchment school

30 25 20 15 10 5 0

lin n wn a rian lg Don Fe y nrhos Ma Tudno g h y e y Mae ai t Deganwy or Pendorl an Cr P T b Penma a B Home Catchment School

Chart 9: Ysgol Nant y Coed Catchment Profile 3

Ysgol Nant y Coed Catchment: Destination of Pupils not Choosing their Local School 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 n dd n r n wn elin den ryn dno ydi law lg d Bont Tu olwy hiane odafo Davies h y F n y B B m San Siorod A ystennin t Josephal y Mae Deganwy raig y Do B C S T Pe Bro Gw C Port Glanwy rfa R n W Hen G Mo Be

10 Standards Ysgol Nant y Coed was last inspected by ESTYN in February 2007, which found that ‘(The) school succeeds in its aim of creating a caring and supportive environment for pupils. All members of staff co-operate effectively to create a disciplined environment in which good quality experiences promote pupils’ learning and development. The school has maintained good standards since the last inspection in the vast majority of the subjects inspected, and there is a strong sense of commitment to ensure further improvement among all the schools partners. The school offers good value for money.’

In the 7 key questions of the inspection the following grades can be awarded: Grade 1 – Good with outstanding features Grade 2 – Good features with no significant shortcomings Grade 3 – Good features outweigh shortcomings Grade 4 – Some good features, but shortcomings in important areas Grade 5 – many important shortcomings

The outcomes for Ysgol Nant y Coed were:

Key Question Inspection Grade 1 How well do learners achieve? Grade 3 2 How effective are teaching, learning and assessment Grade 2 3 How well do the learning experiences meet the needs and Grade 2 interests of learners and the wider community? 4 How well are learners cared for, guided and supported? Grade 2 5 How effective are leadership and strategic management? Grade 2 6 How well do leaders and managers evaluate and improve Grade 3 quality and standards? 7 How efficient are leaders and managers in using Grade 2 resources?

In respect of the quality of education for children under 5, ESTYN judged that ‘(provision) is appropriate to their needs, and the children make good progress towards the Desirable Outcomes for Children’s Learning’.

11 3. Impact Assessments - Key Findings The Impact Assessments undertaken are supported by a clear methodology that is available to view in the full version of each Impact Assessment on our web pages www.conwy.gov.uk/education.

Each Impact Assessment considered the following options from the ‘Strategy for the Modernisation of Conwy Primary Schools’ Implementation Plan for the Llandudno Junction Area:

Alternative Option 1a(Driver-led) Option 1b(Driver-led) Consultation Options Area Schools Option 2a(Community) Option 2b(Community) Band Option Option

(3) (4)

Llandudno Maelgwn A Area school on Area school on Maintain Area

Junction Nant y Albini House site Esgyryn site Current school Area Coed Schools on existing 2 sites

Options 1 and 2 (a&b) would mean the closure of Ysgol Nant y Coed and Ysgol Maelgwn, and the establishment of one new school on a single site for the Llandudno Junction area (either Esgyryn or Albini House). The new school would serve the communities across that area with one Head Teacher and one Governing Body.

For Option 3, significant investment would be needed in the existing two sites to bring them up to ‘fit for purpose’ standards. The schools would retain their separate identities, each with a Head Teacher and its own Governing Body.

Option 4 would mean the closure of Ysgol Nant y Coed and Ysgol Maelgwn, to be then re-opened as one school on the existing two sites. The school would have a new name and be managed by one Head Teacher and one Governing Body across the two sites. Significant investment would be needed in the existing two sites to bring them up to ‘fit for purpose’ standards.

Within the impact assessments, the various specific methodologies produced a score that subsequently fed into this overarching Option Appraisal, with a score of 1-5 (see Appendix 1 for the weighting matrix), with 1 being the lowest score and 5 the highest:

5 – Strongly Agree / Improvement 4 – Agree / Slight Improvement 3 – Neither Agree nor Disagree / No change 2 – Disagree / Slightly Worse 1 – Strongly Disagree / Worse

12 3.1 Community Impact Assessment

Provides improved links with the community within a Community Focus School that provides opportunities and enriching experiences for all: 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree / Neither Agree / Slight Strongly Disagree / Slightly Agree nor Improvement Agree / Worse Worse Disagree / Improvement No change Option 1 & 2 (a) 9 Option 1 & 2 (b) 9 Option 3 9 Option 4 9

The outcome of the impact assessment based on the five measures is that Options 1 and 2(a) will result in an overall positive community impact where the site for the new Area School is Albini House. These options score slightly negatively where the Esgyryn site (b) is chosen for the Area School.

Option 3 ‘Maintain current schools’ results in a neutral impact with no changes being made other than the improvements to existing facilities in order to bring them up to ‘fit for purpose’ standards.

Option 4 (an Area School on the existing two sites) results in a very marginal negative impact, with the pooling of resources and the expected benefits that such an arrangement may bring.

The main negative impact associated with Options 1, 2 and 4 is the loss of the current choice between two local schools which would result from a single area school replacing these, whether on one or two sites. However, of the options presented, the community’s preferred option is for an Area School to replace the existing schools and to some extent this preference offsets wider negative impacts associated with losing one school from an area which previously had two.

An aspect which serves to minimise negative impacts is the commitment of Education Services to invest in all options in order to ensure that all schools are ‘fit for purpose’. The ‘new build’ Options of 1 and 2 present an opportunity for new facilities to be designed without any need to compromise in a retrofit, and so would be expected to be better equipped. However, Options 3 and 4 would also benefit from some development of facilities and still retain two separate sites across the area, rather than a single relatively less accessible site at Esgyryn.

A new build could potentially offer improved facilities compared to those currently used and in any event would not result in an offer of inferior facilities.

13 3.2 Language Impact Assessment

Provides further opportunities for pupils to develop Welsh-medium and bilingual skills: 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree / Neither Agree / Slight Strongly Disagree / Slightly Agree nor Improvement Agree / Worse Worse Disagree / Improvement No change Option 1 & 2 (a) 9 Option 1 & 2 (b) 9 Option 3 9 Option 4 9

The outcomes of the Welsh Language Impact Assessment found more positive impacts for an area school on a single (new) site (Options 1&2 either site), therefore it is the recommendation of this report that an area school on a single site (Option 1&2 either site) is considered to be the best way forward to preserve and promote the Welsh Language.

Whilst the impact assessment recognised the many opportunities that are available to further develop the Welsh Language by bringing together both schools, it also identified initial negative impacts on the language in the playground, breakfast club and afterschool club. It was judged that a negative impact could be expected in the short-term, but with strategies to mitigate the impact such as activities and play through the Welsh language, a longer-term positive impact could be achieved.

The findings of the Language Impact Assessment concludes with seven recommendations to support change.

3.3 Transport Impact Assessment

Pupils will arrive at school within an appropriate travelling time: 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree / Neither Agree / Strongly Disagree / Slightly Agree nor Slight Agree / Worse Worse Disagree / Improvement Improvement No change Option 1 & 2 (a) 9 Option 1 & 2 (b) 9 Option 3 9 Option 4 9

On the basis of the overall Transport Impact Assessment, the findings are that Option1&2a (Albini House site) and Options 3 & 4 all are equally viable, with no significant barriers in relation to journey time, cost or safe routes in the community. Option 1&2b (Esgyryn site) results in a negative impact in relation to the ‘walking’ time and safe routes. In respect of journey time, the impact (drive time) for pupils will be negligible, with a variation of no more than two minutes across the Options. Taking into

14 account that pupils currently attending Ysgol Maelgwn may walk to school, it is reasonable to expect that if the school was to move to the Esgyryn site the journey time walking may increase by approximately 20 minutes one way (Victoria Drive to Esgyryn), requiring pupils to cross five busy roads. This impact is significantly less to the Albini House site with an increase of under 5 minutes and two busy roads to cross. However, over 60 pupils are currently attending Ysgol Maelgwn from the Ysgol Nant y Coed catchment and these pupils would therefore be closer to the school.

When we combine the two school catchment areas to accommodate one new school (Options 1 and 2 either site), the distance from the furthest point to either of the proposed new sites does not exceed two miles. Taking this into account, it is anticipated that there will not be any additional transportation costs to consider if we move the school site.

There are no issues in relation to safe routes in the community at the existing school sites and Albini House site. With the Esgyryn site being located on the outskirts of the town centre, the road and footway infrastructure in the immediate vicinity of the new site will form part of a project for the proposed new school.

3.4 Buildings ‘Fit for Purpose’ Appraisal

The school building(s)/sites(s) is/are 'Fit For Purpose': 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree / Neither Agree / Strongly Disagree / Slightly Agree nor Slight Agree / Worse Worse Disagree / Improvement Improvement No change Option 1 & 2 (a) 9 Option 1 & 2 (b) 9 Option 3 9 Option 4 9

On the basis of the buildings ‘fit for purpose’ appraisal and financial study, the outcome recommends that the Authority adopts the Albini House site new build as the leading scheme going forward as it scores the highest against Conwy’s fit for purpose criteria. Esgyryn, scoring second highest in the appraisal, and having the lowest ‘life costs’ in the financial study, is a close secondary option should the Authority not be able to acquire the former Albini House site.

Option 3 ‘Maintain current school’ and Option 4 ‘Area school on existing two sites’ do not have the benefits that a combined school on a single site would provide and therefore should only be considered if the acquisition of the former Albini House site or Esgyryn site does not transpire.

15 3.5 Equalities Impact Assessment

The Equalities Impact Assessment(IA) takes account of the findings from the Language, Transport and Buildings IAs.

When considering the demography or geography of service users, the Transport IA revealed that a significant number of pupils across Llandudno Junction were not choosing their local school. Whilst the LA can liaise directly with the Headteachers to monitor admissions, it is unclear why so many parents are making this ‘out of catchment’ choice. The project team will consider approaching parents to ascertain the reason behind their preference choice and use the findings to better inform any future plans.

The Community Impact Assessment recognised that some facilities may not be as accessible to the wider local community where they are located on a single site, particularly where that site is at one end of the main settlement (Esgyryn). It was recognised though the Language IA that a new school may present a negative impact on the language in the short-term, however actions to mitigate this and create a mid to long term positive outcome have been identified and reported as recommendations within the report. As the location of any new site remains within the Llandudno Junction Area, the only change would be the increase of walking journey time (around 20 minutes).

It is the intention of the Project Team to revisit this impact assessment following the decision by Cabinet’s on the best option to take forward for the Llandudno Junction Area.

3.6 Reflecting the Views of Those Most Directly Affected

1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree / Neither Agree / Slight Strongly Disagree / Slightly Agree nor Improvement Agree / Worse Worse Disagree / Improvement No change Option 1 & 2 (a) 9 Option 1 & 2 (b) 9 Option 3 9 Option 4 9

(See Appendix 2 for a breakdown of the community and children’s scores)

3.6.1 Community Views In August 2009, the Cabinet agreed that where there were schools identified for initial review within the ‘Areas for Review’ document10, nominated stakeholder meetings should be held in those communities. The meetings were chaired by independent facilitators with the aim of discussing with

10 CCBC ‘Areas for Review’ document - identifying the areas for initial review, review in 2-5 years time and where there is currently no reason for organisational change

16 communities the content of the document in detail, obtaining views and inviting suggested solutions to issues in particular areas.

The views of the community informed the ‘Strategy for the Modernisation of Conwy Primary Schools’ – Implementation Plan under ‘Community Preferred Option (2).

In Llandudno Junction, the Community Preferred Option (2) was for an Area school on one (new) site. Feedback from Local Members was that this preference is in relation to the Albini House site, and would not be the preferred option if the school was to be built on the Esgyryn site.

Following this first choice the community expressed that if they could not have a new school, then that they would prefer to maintain their current schools (Option 3). It was made clear in subsequent discussions that the community did not want to have an area school on two sites (Option 4).

3.6.2 Children’s Views Children at Ysgol Maelgwn and Ysgol Nant y Coed preferred Option 3: ‘Maintain current schools’ (Stay the Same). Following this first choice the children would then prefer Options 1&2 to have an ‘Area school on one site’ (Joining). The children clearly expressed they did not want Option 4 to have an ‘Area school on existing two sites’ (Sharing).

With the permission of the Headteachers and Governing Bodies, workshop sessions were held with Year 3 and 4 pupils in Ysgol Maelgwn and Ysgol Nant y Coed to; i) share with pupils the options for their school, and for each option, what it will mean for them; and ii) to ask pupils their views on the options for their school – which one they like the best.

This was achieved through three key activities, the first being a short child friendly slide show on why we need to think about changing which described the options for their school. The options were explained as: Option 1 – Stay the Same Option 2 – Sharing Option 3 - Joining

The second activity asked them to consider each of the options in turn (what they think) and write on green paper hands what they liked about the option and on red hands what they didn’t like about the option (on the one hand I think this, but on the other hand…). These were then stuck on a large sheet of paper under that option.

The third activity asked them to vote (decision making). Each child was given a voting sheet with the 3 options on it and a thumbs up, thumbs middle and thumbs down picture under each of the options, with a tick box against each thumb. They were asked to place a tick against one of the thumbs for each of the options (see below). The votes where then counted to provide a positive, neutral and negative score for each option. The scores were totalled across the sessions at both schools.

To ensure impartiality, a member of the school Governing Body and the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) were invited to observe.

All the activities containing the views of the children and their decision making are available on our web pages www.conwy.gov.uk/education.

3.7 Pupil Places

Better matching of demand for and supply of pupil places: 1 2 3 4 5 Strongly Disagree / Neither Agree / Slight Strongly Disagree / Slightly Agree nor Improvement Agree / Worse Worse Disagree / Improvement No change Option 1 & 2 (a) 9 Option 1 & 2 (b) 9 Option 3 9 Option 4 9

When we look across both Ysgol Maelgwn and Ysgol Nant y Coed, the average projected percentage of unfilled places by 2016 is around 23%. The potential pupil yield from housing developments (with planning permission) in the Ysgol Maelgwn and Ysgol Nant y Coed school catchments respectively is around 40 and 30 pupils, which may naturally reduce the unfilled places to below 8%. A full breakdown of pupil numbers and unfilled places for the two schools is available to view in Appendix 3.

Options 1 and 2 'Area school on one (new) Site' (either site) could improve the overall number of unfilled places within the Llandudno Junction Area to below 19% by 2016, a reduction of 4 percentage points on the current arrangements. In addition, if we take into account the potential pupil increases identified through the LDP, the new school site will accommodate

18 the projected increase, further reducing the unfilled place in 2016 to below 3%.

Option 3 'Maintain Current Schools' and Option 4 'Area school on Two Existing Sites' could potentially increase the percentage of unfilled places by a marginal one percentage point to around 24%. If we again take into account the LDP, this could present us with unfilled places of around 9%.

Taking account of the agreed tolerances based on percentage points: 5 (Improvement) 51(+) to 100(+) 4 (Slight Improvement) 11(+) to 50(+) 3 (No change) 10(+) to 10(-) 2 (Slightly Worse) 11(-) to 50(-) 1 (Worse) 51(-) to 100(-) the impact on unfilled places is a 3 (no change) across all of the Options.

19 5 – Strongly Agree / Improvement 4 – Agree / Slight Improvement 3 – Neither Agree nor Disagree / No change 4. Llandudno Junction Area Option Appraisal 2 – Disagree / Slightly Worse 1 – Strongly Disagree / Worse (IA – Impact Assessment) Non-Financial Benefits Criteria Option 1a (Driver-led) Option 1b (Driver-led) Option 3 Option 4 Option 2a (Community) Option 2b (Community) Maintain Current Area school on 2 Agreed Schools existing sites. Weighting New Build Area school New Build Area school on Albini Site on Esgyryn Site Raw Weighted Raw Weighted Raw Weighted Raw Weighted Pupils will arrive at school within an a appropriate travelling time (Transport IA) 15 3 45 2 30 3 45 3 45 Better matching of demand for and b supply of pupil places 20 3 60 3 60 3 60 3 60 Reflects the views of those most directly c affected 15 4 60 4 60 4 60 1 15 The school building(s)/sites(s) is/are 'Fit d For Purpose'(Buildings IA) 20 5 100 5 100 4 80 4 80 Community Focus school(Community IA) e 15 4 60 2 30 3 45 2 30 Provides further opportunities for pupils f to develop Welsh-medium and bilingual 15 5 75 5 75 3 45 3 45 skills (Language IA) Total Option Score (maximum available 500) 400 355 335 275

Est. Transportation Costs (per day) £15.00 £15.00 £15.00 £15.00 NPV Appraisal £ 35,357,000 £ 35,156,000 £ 39,842,000 £ 39,220,000 Initial Capital Costs £ 11,751,329 £ 11,064,498 £ 10,241,901 £ 10,241,901

School Revenue Allocation £ 1,331,758 £ 1,336,053 £ 1,403,057 £ 1,364,237 (including NNDR impact associated with Capital investment) Revenue Savings(-) or +£ 19,106 +£ 23,402 +£ 90,405 +£ 51,585 Additional Revenue Required(+) Cost per pupil £ 3,614 £ 3,626 £3,738 (M) £ 3,702 (Currently Maelgwn - £3,507 and Nant y Coed - £3,628) £3,889 (NYC)

20 4.1 Conclusions to the Option Appraisal Options 1a & 2a ‘A New Build Area School on Albini House Site’ is considered to be the best option in terms of benefits and cost.

4.1.1 Option 1a & 2a ‘New Build Area School on Albini House Site’ This option is considered to be the best option in terms of benefits (score 400).

It is the least expensive in terms of the ‘range of spend’ and ‘school budget’ (requiring an additional £19k annually to cover the running costs of the school11), and only marginally more than the Esgyryn site and less than Options 3 and 4 for ‘life costs’(NPV).

The initial capital investment required to deliver this option is £1.5m more than Options 3 and 4.

When considering the ‘views of those most directly affected’, this was the preferred option for the whole community, and the second choice for the children of Ysgol Maelgwn and Ysgol Nant y Coed. In respect of the Community Impact Assessment, the main negative impact associated with Option 1&2a (Albini House site) is the loss of the current choice between two local schools, which would result from a single area school on one site replacing these.

The Community Impact IA resolved that the investment in a new school providing improved facilities that are up to ‘fit for purpose’ standards was scored as an improvement on the current condition of the schools, and was judged to have a positive impact on the community. However, these new facilities may not be as accessible to the wider local community where they are located on a single site.

The outcomes of the Welsh Language Impact Assessment found more positive impacts for an area school on one (new) site (Options 1&2 either site) providing more opportunities for children to access the Welsh Language.

The remaining impact assessments revealed overall neither a negative or positive impact on travelling time or unfilled places.

4.1.2 Option 1b & 2b ‘New Build Area School on Esgyryn Site’ This option scored second (score 355) in terms of benefits.

It is the least expensive in terms of ‘life costs’(NPV), requiring only marginally more than the Albini House site and less than Option 3 and 4 for ‘range of spend’ and ‘school budget’ (with an additional £23k required annually to cover the running costs of the school).

The initial capital investment required in the site is £800k more than Options 3 and 4, and £700k less than the best scoring option (Albini House).

11 Taking account of the increase in NNDR rates following a capital investment

21 When considering the views of those most directly affected, whilst a ‘new school’ was the preferred option for the whole community, feedback from Local Members was that this preference is in relation to the Albini House site, and would not be the preferred option if the school was to be built on the Esgyryn site. In respect of the Community and Transport Impact Assessments, the main negative impacts associated with Option 1b&2b (Esgyryn site) is the loss of the current choice between two local schools and the maximum increase in ‘walking’ time of approximately 20 minutes (one way) for some pupils.

The Impact Assessment of better matching of demand for and supply of pupil places revealed overall neither a negative or positive impact on unfilled places.

4.1.3 Option 3 ‘Maintain Current Schools’ This option scored third (score 335) in terms of benefits.

It is the most expensive in terms of ongoing costs to the Authority i.e. ‘life costs’(NPV), ‘range of spend’ and ‘school budget’ (with an additional £90k required annually to cover the running costs of the school - nearly five time more than Option 1).

The initial capital investment required in the two sites is £1.5m less than the best scoring option.

When considering the views of those most directly affected, this was the preferred option for the children of Ysgol Maelgwn and Ysgol Nant y Coed, and the second choice for the whole community. In respect of the Community Impact Assessment, Options 3 and 4 both involve retaining existing sites but under different organisational arrangements. In favour of Option 3 is the retention of parental choice in the area.

The Community Impact IA resolved that both Options (3&4) would benefit from future investment although this is not likely to improve facilities for pupils and community users to the same extent as a complete ‘new build’.

The Impact Assessments revealed overall neither a negative or positive impact on travelling time, unfilled places or the Welsh language.

22 4.1.4 Option 4 ‘Area School on Two Existing Sites’

This option scored the lowest (score 275) in terms of benefits

It is the second highest in terms of ongoing costs to the Authority i.e. ‘life costs’(NPV), ‘range of spend’ and ‘school budget’ (with an additional £52k required annually to cover the running costs of the school).

As with Option 3, the initial capital investment required in the two sites is £1.5m less than the best scoring option.

It was the least favourable option with both the community as a whole and the children of Ysgol Maelgwn and Ysgol Nant y Coed. In respect of the Community Impact Assessment, Options 3 and 4 both involve retaining existing sites but under different organisational arrangements. In favour of Option 4 is the pooling of resources and the expected benefits that such an arrangement may bring, such as broader staff expertise and experience to be offered to a greater population of pupils, including those living in the local community.

The impact assessments revealed overall neither a negative or positive impact on travelling time, unfilled places or the Welsh language.

23 Weighting the Criteria Appendix 1

Non-Financial Benefits The criteria for the option appraisal are listed below. Please indicate your view of their relative importance by distributing 100 points between them. For example, if you think that Criterion A is twice as important as Criterion B, then give it twice as many points. It is important that the number of points awarded totals 100.

Points Non-Financial Benefits Criteria* Awarded** a Pupils will arrive at school within an appropriate travelling time. 15 b Better matching of demand for and supply of pupil places. 20 c Reflects the views of those most directly affected. 15 d The school building(s)/sites(s) is/are 'Fit For Purpose' 20 e Community Focus school. 15 f The school(s) meets the language needs of the pupils. 15 Total 100

Definitions

a Pupils will arrive at school within an appropriate travelling time. Journey Impact Assessment feeds this criterion stating if the journey exceeds 45 minutes one way (WAG School Organisational Proposals, Circular 23/02). b Better matching of demand for and supply of pupil places. Reduction in % of unfilled places (capacity figures). Enough spare capacity to meet demand, or appropriate scope for extending (capacity figures). c Reflects the views of those most directly affected. ‘Communities Preferred Option (2)’ on the Implementation Plan. Outcomes of the Youth Participation (add the scores together and divide by 2) d The school building(s)/site(s) is/are 'Fit For Purpose'. EDS Structural Option Appraisal feeds this criterion (includes accessibility). e Community Focus school. Community Impact Assessment feed this criterion. f Provides further opportunities for pupils to develop Welsh-medium and Language Impact Assessment feeds this criterion. bilingual skills

* The driver and fundamental benefit of ‘Continued Improvement of Educational Standards’ will be monitored and measured longer- term (post implementation – phase 3) against the baseline at the start of Phase 2. ** Points were awarded by the Project Board prioritising the benefits most closely aligned with the drivers for the project of ‘Ensuring All Our Buildings are Fit For Purpose’ and ‘Reducing the Number of Unfilled Places in Our Sc hools to an Acceptable Level’, and recognising the value of all the remaining benefits as being equal and only slightly less than those most closely aligned with the drivers.

24 Appendix 2

5 – Strongly Agree / Improvement 4 – Agree / Slight Improvement 3 – Neither Agree nor Disagree / No change Reflects the Views of Those Most Directly Affected 2 – Disagree / Slightly Worse 1 – Strongly Disagree / Worse Community Preferred Option (2) : Area school on one new site. Following this first choice the community expressed if they could not have a new school then that they would prefer to maintain current schools (Option 3). It was made clear that the community did not want to have an area school on two sites (Option 4).

Communities Consultation Driver-led Alternative Options Area Schools Preferred Band Option (1) Option (2) Option (3) Option (4) Llandudno Junction Maelgwn A Area school on one Area school on Maintain Current Area school on Area Nant y Coed (new) site one (new) site Schools existing 2 sites Score 5 3 1

Children at Ysgol Maelgwn and Ysgol Nant y Coed Preferred Option (3): Maintain current schools (Stay the Same) Following this first choice the children would then prefer to have an Area school on one site (Option 3). The children clearly expressed they did not want to have an Area school on existing two sites (Option 4)

Choice 1 - Stay the Same Choice 2 – Sharing Choice 3 – Joining (Option 3) (Option 4) (Options 1&2)

Ysgol Maelgwn (All) 8 Positive 18 Negative 5 Positive Ysgol Maelgwn (Eng) 5 Negative 10 Negative 10 Positive Ysgol Maelgwn (Cym) 13 Positive 8 Negative 5 Negative Ysgol Nant y Coed 7 Positive 15 Negative 5 Negative 15 -33 0 Total Positive Negative Neutral Score 5 1 3

This translates into the overarching option appraisal as Option 1 & 2: 5 plus 3, divided by 2 = 4 Option 3: 3 plus 5, divided by 2 = 4 Option 4: 1 plus 1, divided by 2 = 1

25 Better Matching of Demand for and Supply of Pupil Places Appendix 3

Unfilled Places Unfilled Places Major Housing Developments with Pupil Numbers January 2011 January 2016 Planning Permission Impact on Impact on Primary A- Welsh School Est pup ils School January Projected Projected Projected School Classification Infants B - Bilingual Capacity Number % Number % gained No. 2011 to 2016 Unfilled Capacity Junior C - English Jan 2011 (LDP) Places 2016 2016 MAELGWN, Llandudno 2064 Junction Community P A/E 254 187 205 67 26.38% 49 19.25% 37 12 4.69% NANT Y COED, 2117 Llandudno Junction Community P E 189 158 135 31 16.40% 54 28.36% 31 23 11.96% Totals across the two sites 443 345 340 98 22.12% 103 23.14% 68 35 7.90%

18.93% New School on New Site 420 345 340 75 17.86% 80 Options 1&2 New School on New Site (inc LDP Projections) 420 408 12 2.86% Maintain Current Schools 450 345 340 105 23.33% 110 24.44% Option 3 Maintain Current Schools (inc LDP projections) 450 408 42 9.33% Area School on Two Exisitng Sites 450 345 340 105 23.33% 110 24.44% Option 4 Area School on Two Exisitng Sites (inc LDP Projections) 450 408 42 9.33%

26 Appendix 4

Underpinning Policies and Strategies

Conwy Community Strategy ‘Encouraging learning and creativity’ is one of the five themes of the Conwy Community Strategy.

Providing high quality education and training opportunities is vital in improving the communities of Conwy. The provision of high quality learning opportunities and education and training services is a key part of securing social and economic well- being. Children and adults learn in many settings including schools, colleges, training establishments, work places, community settings and the home. Conwy encourages a culture where individuals, organisations and businesses support and promote learning.

Community focused schools The Local Authority will support schools to develop community links that provide opportunities and enrich experiences for all. Opportunities for curriculum enhancement and enrichment need to be developed with the school’s local community and beyond, benefiting both the pupils and members of the community. When considering the options for future school structures the Authority will balance educational needs with community development, investment and support needs.

Local schools (catchment areas) The Primary Schools Modernisation programme will support the Authority’s policy of identifying local schools for communities. Each local school has a defined ‘catchment area’. Catchment areas (in the main) are based on community ward boundaries as supplied by the Boundary Commission. Catchment areas are mapped out and are required to be reviewed periodically.

In rural areas, a catchment area will cover many square miles and may include one or more villages and their surrounding areas. In urban areas with two or more schools in a town, the catchment areas will be a collection of streets.

Rural village schools The Authority recognises the vital role our village schools undertake within our rural communities to maintain the local culture, language and way of life. When considering the options for future school structures within the rural areas, the Authority will balance educational needs with community development, investment and support needs.

Conwy’s Welsh Language Scheme Main aims and objectives of the Welsh Education Scheme are to: Ensure that Welsh-medium or bilingual education is available to all children whose parents/guardians wish them to receive their education through the medium of Welsh or bilingually, within reasonable travelling distance from the children’s home. This means children of pre-school age and above. Ensure a developing continuum from Welsh-medium/bilingual primary education through to Welsh-medium/bilingual secondary education. Pupils who have received their primary education through the medium of Welsh will be able to attend a Welsh-

27 medium/bilingual secondary school, to promote a linguistic continuum from KS4 onwards through to their lifelong learning career for pupils and students within the county. Provide further opportunities for pupils to access Welsh-medium education. Ensure that Welsh is taught as first and/or second language on the timetable of all the County’s schools, in accordance with the National Curriculum’s statutory requirements for all key stages. Ensure that children and young people with special educational needs receive linguistic equality of opportunity in terms of Welsh-medium education during the entire Statementing process, in line with the SEN Code of Practice for Wales. Ensure that all pupils attending a designated Welsh-medium/bilingual school are able to speak, read and write Welsh fluently by the end of KS2. Work in partnership with all schools in order to improve the standard of Welsh as a first and second language. All the County’s schools will receive advice and support from advisors on the Welsh language and from school support services. Further support will be provided by the Welsh Advisory Teachers (Athrawon Bro) who visit and monitor schools’ language standards on behalf of the LA. Run and promote the existing ‘In Service Training Programme’ that supports the development of Welsh as a first and second language. Provide opportunities for pupils to improve their knowledge and understanding of the cultural, economic, environmental, historical and linguistic ethos/characteristics of Wales via the Cwricwlwm Cymreig. Ensure that new pupils to the County that are non-Welsh speaking in-migrants are able to make full use of the Welsh Language Centres in order that, after having followed an intensive Welsh language course, they are able to integrate naturally into their school and community. Promote the LA’s development of pupils’ Welsh language skills by means of specific activities and projects which allow for effective language transition from KS2 to KS3. Continue to offer specific training to enable teachers in Welsh second language to improve their language presentation skills.

Transport The Primary Schools Modernisation programme will support the Authority’s policy of providing free transport to pupils under 11 years of age, who live over two miles from their nearest appropriate school.

Free transport provision will also be provided to those pupils who meet the additional criteria listed in the Transport policy; including: medical grounds; needs identified within a Statement of Special Educational Need; hazardous routes.

A full version of the Policy is available on our website www.conwy.gov.uk , direct from Conwy CBC Education Services, or any County School.

For further information on transport please contact the Education Transport Officer on 01492 575592/575595 who is responsible for assessing eligibility for transport, or the

28 Highways Transport Officer on 01492 575413 who is responsible for transport arrangements.

Admissions The Primary Schools Modernisation programme will support the Authority’s policy of allowing parents and pupils to express their preference for admission to a school of their choice.

Admission arrangements for schools are either the responsibility of Conwy County Borough Council (community and voluntary controlled schools) or the Governing Body (foundation and voluntary aided schools).

Conwy’s Admissions policy is available in the ‘Schools and Education Service Information Document’. Copies are available on our website www.conwy.gov.uk/education, or direct from Conwy CBC Education Services.

For any enquiries regarding the Admissions Policy, please contact Education Services on 01492 575011.

National Child Poverty Strategy and Implementation Plan (Wales) 2010 – ‘A Fair Future for our Children’ The Welsh Assembly Government launched the Child Poverty Strategy and Delivery Plan in 2010. It sets out the Assembly Government’s vision for tackling child poverty in Wales and improving outcomes for children and parents living in low income families. The Child Poverty Strategy sets out a proposed framework and delivery plan within which all bodies can meet these duties in a coordinated way. It is cross cutting and structured around the 7 Core Aims for Children and Young People.

Core Aim 7 (Intervention to ensure they are not disadvantaged by poverty, rurality, ethnicity or disability) is not delivered by specific services or agencies, but rather includes cross-cutting themes across the whole partnership and all partners. All partners therefore have a role to play in achieving this aim.

The Primary School Modernisation Project supports the Child Poverty Broad Aim 5 (Led by CAG 2) ‘To reduce inequalities in educational attainment between children and young people’, by working to ensure that all children have equal opportunity to receive the best possible education.

WAG 21st Century Schools Capital Programme In order to deliver the Strategy for the Modernisation of Conwy Primary Schools, significant capital resources will be required. The WAG have provided details of the WAG 21st Century Schools programme and how Conwy CBC will be required to work closely with WAG to maximise the potential of this programme in order to deliver the improvements to school buildings that emerge from the Strategy.

The total amount of funding available within the 21st Century Schools programme is not known at this stage and therefore it is not possible to be specific on how the capital investment identified will be funded. Funding allocations to authorities will be subject to a bidding process. All authorities in Wales were required to submit a Strategic Outline

29 Programme (SOP) in December 2010 outlining their vision for education provision in the 21st century, together with an indicative programme covering a ten year period. The WAG is currently evaluating the SOP’s submitted by each authority and an announcement is expected in June / July 2011 advising which authorities will be supported in the initial rounds of funding.

30 Please use this page to feedback your comments. You can hand it in at the public meetings, or return it to the address below. Alternatively please e-mail any comments to us at [email protected].

E-mail: [email protected]

Internet: www.conwy.gov.uk/education

Address: Conwy Schools Modernisation, Government Buildings, Dinerth Road, Rhos-on-Sea, Conwy, LL28 4UL.